Endorsements

2018 Endorsements

21st Legislative District

Strom Peterson - Representative Position 1

It’s an honor to serve as your Representative and advocate for our local values. In Olympia, I fought for investments in local projects strengthening our communities, passed the nation’s first drug take-back program and other measures tackling our opioid crisis, and developed a Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights ensuring every student is ready to learn. I worked across the aisle to fully fund education, protect our environment, and strengthen our economy, but there is more work to do. Endorsements: Senators Murray and Cantwell, Firefighters, Nurses, Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Votes, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Democrats, and more! Visit Website

Lillian Ortiz-Self - Representative Position 2

As an educator, Lillian remains focused on our state’s paramount duty – fully funding our schools and setting every kid up for success. In Olympia, she fought to promote Student Mental Health, improve access to apprenticeships and career opportunities, and pass commonsense gun reforms to keep kids safe. She also helped pass a $391 million property tax cut for homeowners, fought for local transportation investments here at home, and worked to create family wage jobs in Snohomish County. Join teachers, nurses, working families, Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Votes, and neighbors supporting Lillian. Visit Website

39th Legislative District

Ivan Lewis - Representative Position 1

These days, too many families are left behind while politicians find themselves more and more beholden to special interests. I am committed to standing up for the incredible people who make up our community here in the 39th. I will focus on the issues that have the biggest impact on our families – strong local schools for our kids, relieving the regressive taxation on working families and small businesses, creating new jobs, pushing for a healthcare system that works for all of us, and combatting the deadly opioid epidemic gripping many parts of our communities. I ask for your vote. Visit Website

Snohomish County

Mary Rollins - PUD Commissioner #1

Snohomish County PUD commissioners are tasked with ensuring that our utilities are managed in the most equitable, sustainable, and environmentally proactive way possible. As a single mother of three, I have had to address high energy costs within my own family budget and understand the economic hardship endured by many. I have found a good life in Snohomish County, and I care about the planet and our future. I am running for PUD Commissioner 1 to help enhance the lives of all people in Snohomish County. I believe it is time for Snohomish County to maximize the use of renewable resources at our disposal. Many Snohomish families are turning to electric automobiles for their preferred mode of transportation. I recommend we have some charging stations right at our own local PUD office. Let’s become leaders in jobs and healthy communities right here in Snohomish County. Let us look to all of our partners to bring about positive change in our communities, both financially and environmentally. Please feel free to email me with any questions. Put “Candidate Question” in the subject line. Thank you.

Rebecca Wolfe - PUD Commissioner #2

For too long Snohomish PUD has supported financially wasteful, misguided energy policies. SnoPUD spent $9 million pursuing the hydroelectric project at Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River. After misleading and ignoring the public for years, they finally tabled the project. Those dollars could have provided solar power and energy eﬃ ciency for many homes and businesses at a reduced cost. SnoPUD is also the largest purchaser of nuclear energy in the Northwest. History has proven that nuclear power plants are unsafe and uneconomical. Once elected, I will push for safer, more fiscally responsible sources of energy. SnoPUD needs new leadership — not outmoded decisions that address only short-term energy needs. The status quo is no longer acceptable, and I want to make SnoPUD more user-friendly and engage ratepayers more in the decision-making process. We, our children, and their descendants will need an environment with streams that are fit for fish, wildlife, and humans, as well as clean air and aﬀ ordable energy rates for all ratepayers. Washington Conservation Voters and other groups recently awarded me their sole endorsement in the District 2 SnoPUD race. Vote Rebecca Wolfe for a more transparent SnoPUD that is clean, safe, aﬀ ordable, and reliable. Visit Website

Adam Cornell - County Prosecutor

As a Deputy Prosecutor I’ve achieved justice for victims of domestic violence and assault, families who lost a loved one to violence, and seniors victimized by fraud and theft. I prosecuted the gunman in the 2016 Mukilteo mass shooting and have worked to reduce the epidemic of gun violence. I’ve also helped to support progressive alternative justice programs that get low level oﬀ enders the help they need while reducing costly incarcerations. A childhood in foster care showed me the challenges facing at-risk kids and families, and the instability that leads many into our criminal justice system. I was fortunate to know great people who inspired me to pursue a career in advocacy and prosecution. As Prosecutor I will always enforce the law fairly and firmly. I will also continue my role as an advocate for children and families, and where appropriate, fight the addiction crisis through sensible sentencing and treatment programs. Visit Website

Jeffrey Goodwin - District Court Judge

Congressional District 7

Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Congress

I am so proud to represent Washington’s 7th District in the United States Congress. I came to United States when I was 16 years old by myself, and I have been a resident of Seattle for nearly thirty years. As your U.S. Representative, I am focused on ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare, making college debt-free, protecting our environment, welcoming immigrants, ensuring pay equity and reproductive rights, and ensuring everyone can retire with dignity. During my ﬁ rst term, I have held more than a dozen town halls to hear from you and ﬁ ght for your priorities, including more aﬀ ordable housing as well as robust public transit and infrastructure. I secured the passage of $2.5 million in funding to address our opioid crisis and cosponsored legislation to create tuitionfree college nationwide, Medicare for All, and transition to a 100% renewable energy future. Through diligent casework, I have helped constituents – including veterans and seniors – get back over $800,000 in federal beneﬁ ts. As Vice Ranking Member of the Budget Committee and Member of the Judiciary Committee, I will continue to stand up against attempts to divide and scapegoat, to ensure that we get money out of politics, and to build an economy of shared responsibility that takes care of the most vulnerable among us, instead of giving more tax giveaways to those who don’t need them. Our district is rich in innovation, diversity, natural resources and compassion. I’m proud to represent you and I would be honored to have your vote. Visit Website

US Senate

Maria Cantwell - US Senate

Maria fights to do what’s right for Washingtonians. She knows too many Washington families struggle to get by. Maria has worked to help create family-wage jobs and prepare America’s workforce for 21st century innovation. She has passed laws to help our agriculture, aviation, maritime, fishing, and bustling port economies. Housing costs are skyrocketing. That’s why Maria successfully worked across the aisle to increase federal incentives to build more affordable housing. She fought to save the Aﬀordable Care Act. Maria kept her promise to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. She supported new laws to ensure veterans receive the healthcare they deserve. Maria believes prescription drugs should be aﬀordable and pharmaceutical companies should be held accountable for ﬂooding communities with addictive painkillers and she helped secure increased funding for law enforcement and treatment. Making the dream of college education more aﬀordable, Maria supports increasing Pell grants, allowing students to refinance loans, and she helped pass a 21st Century GI Bill to expand educational opportunities for veterans. Washington leads in aerospace and manufacturing trades. That’s why Maria’s bipartisan legislation creates the first federal tax incentive for apprenticeships – retraining veterans and laid-offworkers at community colleges. Maria helps grow Washington’s tech industry by fighting for Net Neutrality and cybersecurity. first responders are heroes who need support. Maria fought for wildfire funding focusing on prevention, protecting lives, and growing rural jobs. A vibrant outdoor economy supports rural communities. Maria led the charge to stop fee hikes in our National Parks and prevented oil exploration off Washington’s coasts. She believes in state tax deductibility. Congress, like small business, needs to live within its means. Maria believes PAYGO measures fight our deficit. Our American values are being challenged. We need to keep Maria in the other Washington fighting for our Washington values. Visit Website

Initiatives

I-1600 - Whole Washington - Single Payer Healthcare

AN ACT Relating to health care financing and development of the whole Washington health trust to ensure all Washington residents can enroll in nonprofit health insurance coverage providing an essential set of health benefits; adding new sections to chapter 82.02 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.32 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 82 RCW; prescribing penalties; providing effective dates; providing a contingent effective date; and providing contingent expiration dates. Visit Website

I-1631 - Pollution Fee & Clean Energy Investment

AN ACT Relating to reducing pollution by investing in clean air, clean energy, clean water, healthy forests, and healthy communities by imposing a fee on large emitters based on their pollution; and adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW. Visit Website

I-1639 - Safe Communities, Safe Schools

AN ACT Relating to increasing public safety by implementing firearm safety measures, including requiring enhanced background checks, waiting periods, and increased age requirements for semiautomatic assault rifles and secure gun storage for all firearms. View The Initiative

Thank you for your interest in the 2018 endorsements! We currently accepting applications from candidates requesting endorsement in the 2018 general elections. If you are a candidate or represent pending initiatives, please click the button below to email our endorsements committee!

2017 Endorsements

Edmonds

Josh Thompson - Edmonds City Council Position 1

I have the background and experience to make an immediate impact on the Edmonds City Council. My wife and I have lived in Edmonds for 16 years, purchasing a home that’s been in her family 53 years. We love the natural beauty and small-town feel of our city. Edmonds oﬀ ers thriving businesses, art, and cultural events that draw visitors from around the region. Neighbors look out for each other and have a strong sense of civic pride. I’m running to protect our natural beauty, strengthen our economic core, and ensure everyone is included and has a real voice. Together we can make Edmonds the best it can be. I ask you to join law enforcement, ﬁ reﬁ ghters, along with many business and community leaders in supporting our campaign. Visit ThompsonforEdmonds.com for more information. Visit Website

Kristiana Johnson - Edmonds City Council Position 1

Mitchell Below - Edmonds School District Position 2

My wife and I have three children; our oldest is a ﬁ rst-grader in the district, and our twins will follow in a few years. We are working parents who understand the sacriﬁ ces that parents make to give their children every advantage. I will work to more equitably extend these advantages through sensible start times, expanded access to STEM and IB programs, and increased availability of pre-school.As a classroom volunteer, I have seen the amazing job teachers do. But good teachers need time to plan and collaborate, smaller class sizes to provide individual aid, and the freedom to teach. I will advocate for more time and resources to meet students’ needs, and better facilities that reduce class sizes and overcrowding.We live in a diverse community, and our schools reﬂ ect that diversity. Every student deserves a safe, supportive environment in which to learn, regardless of language, ethnic or religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I will strongly oppose hatred and intimidation and support inclusive policies. Visit Website

Cathy Baylor - Edmonds School District Position 4

Our students must be prepared for a global workforce and economy. This means they need strong STEM courses, but it’s also crucial that they develop an understanding and respect for diﬀ erent cultural views. As a school board director, I will seek equity for all students, and promote multicultural-based curricula that teach students to value cultural diﬀ erences. As a professional educator, I know ﬁ rst hand that students who have exposure to arts education have improved creative problem solving and critical thinking skills in all academic disciplines. Arts programs are essential to a well-rounded basic education. Our teachers care deeply about their students. I will advocate for the working conditions they need to be eﬀ ective in assuring academic sucess for every child. Visit Website

Angela Harris – Edmonds Port Commissioner Position 1

Over the last 20 years I have built a track record of responsible budget management and civic leadership. I believe the Port of Edmonds can be a leader in ﬁ nancial and environmental stewardship, and I pledge to carefully manage these valuable community assets.Protecting and improving the Edmonds Marsh and the Port’s shoreline are crucial, as is increasing economic development through expanded tourism. In partnership with the community, I will identify storm water management solutions, create a Climate Action Plan, create a Restoration Plan for Edmonds Marsh, support daylighting of Willow Creek, and assess long-term impact of any Harbor Square development. I will also work to grow our vibrant waterfront and operate a ﬁ rst-class marina for our boating community.My ﬁ rst objective is to listen, engage and collaborate with the Port, City Staﬀ , Council, residents and Port tenants. Since 1962, our Port has represented a welcoming gateway for people visiting our city. I would be honored to protect and enhance this legacy for the next generation. Visit Website

Judge Linda Coburn - Edmonds Municipal Court Judge

Judge Linda Coburn was appointed as the Edmonds Municipal Court judge in January 2015. Born in Taiwan, Judge Coburn immigrated to the U.S. when she was 4 years old. After graduating from the University of Washington, she earned an advanced degree in journalism and spent 13 years as a reporter and editor at the Seattle Times. Her reporting career and connection to stories of injustice led her to the law, and in 2005, she graduated with honors from Seattle University Law School.Judge Coburn’s legal career has been dedicated to public service – as a public defender and now as a judge in her own community. As a 25-year resident of Edmonds, she is committed to making justice equally accessible to all. Judge Coburn has received the highest rating — “Exceptionally Well Qualiﬁ ed” — from seven statewide judicial evaluation organizations and has been endorsed by all nine members of the State Supreme Court. Visit Website

Everett

Judy Tuohy - Mayor of City of Everett

It’s time for a new direction in Everett. We need to do things diﬀ erently so we get results we want. I will bring new accountability to the challenge of homelessness. It’s not humane for people to live this way and it is also not fair to the citizens of Everett to experience the negative impacts of uncontrolled street-level issues. As Mayor, I will work to reduce homelessness by increasing access to social services – housing, opioid treatment, jobs; expanding day shelters, so the homeless have a place to go; convening regional partners so that Everett doesn’t bear the brunt of this challenge; and filling long-standing vacancies, equipping our Police with more resources to ensure our streets are safe. We need a better plan for listening and responding to all residents. Every citizen should know who to call when they have an issue and get results. That’s why I support City Council District elections. I bring my strong financial expertise, ability to work with diverse interests, commitment to results and my life long connection with Everett as your hometown choice for Mayor. Visit Website

Alex Lark - Everett Council Position 2

I have the privilege of serving Everett as a planning commissioner, Snohomish County through Housing Hope, and our country as an officer in the Army Reserve. Now, I ask to serve as your city councilmember. Opportunity is the cornerstone of the American Dream. A family should be able to save for a home, invest in their child’s future, or start a business. Now, too often these opportunities are out of reach because so much of a family’s paycheck goes to rent. I will fight to increase housing affordability, so Everett families can create a solid foundation for their future. Families also need to feel safe. We must invest in public safety with fully funded fire and police departments. That means placing embedded social workers and supplying the tools needed to fight the opioid epidemic and combat homelessness. We also need to empower residents to achieve their dreams. By investing in public-private partnerships, staff, and innovation to help small business owners, we can spur economic development and create living-wage jobs in Everett. I will represent and listen to you. Visit Website

Pam LeSesne - Everett School Board of Directors Position 5

It has been my honor serving children and families in the Everett Public Schools. Considerable strides have been made over these past 5 years: 4 year graduation rates have increased to over 90% and 5 year rates are over 94%; more students are taking Advance Placement, Honors and Challenging classes; STEM and 21st Century skills integration is in every class from Kindergarten through 12th grade; Strings and Orchestra programs have returned; and this fall we will begin one-to-one computer technology for all students in the district.I remain committed to improving our educational system by continuing the promotion of Excellence in Education, Strong Partnerships with Teachers, Staﬀ and Community and Strengthening Core Educational Skills. If re-elected I will spend my next term advocating for increased opportunities in internships and apprenticeships, eliminating the achievement gap, and confronting the overcrowded classrooms and schools we face in our district.These goals are achievable and within our grasp. I understand the challenges we face and I’m excited for the challenge! Visit Website

Amy Kaestner - Everett Municipal Court Judge Position 1

Amy Kaestner is a respected Snohomish County Public Defender. She understands that untreated mental illness and substance abuse are often the underlying causes of criminal behavior. She knows that community courts are in the best position to provide the structure, individualized attention, and continuous monitoring necessary to disrupt the cycle of repeated contacts with the law. She also recognizes that incarceration is a necessary motivating factor when therapeutic alternatives fail. With her understanding of these complex issues, Amy Kaestner will work to expand proven cost-saving, therapeutic alternative programs in Everett. She is the kind of judge we deserve for our community court. Amy has spent most of her life in Everett. She and her husband, Zack, are proud to be raising their sons Isaac and Gavin, in our community. Visit Website

Lynnwood

George Hurst - Mayor City of Lynnwood

The next four years are crucial as we prepare for Light Rail. As your Mayor, I will focus on ﬁ nancial stability, safe roads and livable neighborhoods. The last two City budgets have been ﬁ nancial failures. The taxes you pay have not been enough to cover the overspending and in four years the City’s general fund has gone from nearly $20 million to under $5 million. We need a new mindset about ﬁ nancial responsibility. Where’s the money? Obviously, it is not being spent on neighborhood streets and sidewalks. For example, because of deferred maintenance 36th Ave W has deteriorated so much that it has to be torn down and rebuilt at a cost of over $14 million. Millions of dollars more than a simple repaving project. The city has great plans for developing the City Center around 196th and 44th with lots of concentrated population growth. But what about our single-family neighborhoods? How do we make sure there is aﬀ ordable housing available for both seniors and young families who want to call Lynnwood home? These are the kind of challenges that requires new leadership and action to make Lynnwood thrive. Visit Website

Van Aubuchon - Lynnwood City Council Position 1

In the last four years the city has gone on a tax and spend binge. Nearly every city tax was increased to the maximum allowed by law. In spite of this Tax to the Max strategy, the city’s budget still runs a deficit of over $5million. If this continues, the city will be bankrupt in four years. The current unbalanced budget passed by a 4-3 vote of the city council. If elected, I will be the fourth vote restoring fiscal responsibility. I will vote to decrease property taxes as the result of the new regional fire authority. If nothing is done, Lynnwood citizens will see an $8million increase. I will be your fourth vote to prevent this huge tax hike. Most of our current financial trouble was caused by spending on The Administration’s wants instead of The City’s needs. The Executive Department’s staﬀ has more than doubled in just two years. We need to place your priorities first. Public safety, reliable utilities, and transportation must come before remodeling city hall, catered parties for city employees, and ill-maintained street banners. I will only vote to support a balanced budget. Visit Website

Ian Cotton - Lynnwood City Council Position 2

Ian Cotton is a Lynnwood native who has lived most of his life here. Three generations of Ian’s family live in Lynnwood. “It’s an honor to serve and represent you on the Lynnwood City Council. You have trusted me with the oversight of your tax dollars. I take that responsibility with the integrity and sincerity we deserve.” Your Money: Ian’s diligent budget oversight has saved thousands of your tax dollars. Ian enacted responsible and transparent financial policy changes. Through his work on the SnoCom Board, we have improved emergency response with Text to 9-1-1 capability. Ian supported robust financial policies so that the City is protected in the event of future economic downturns. Your Voice: Ian listens and has enacted legislative changes brought forward by Lynnwood Residents. This legislation protects our environment, our city and our children. Ian opposed the ‘Sound Transit Maintenance Yard’ protecting our City from the environmental impacts citizens opposed. Ian’s voting record is reflected in the Community Vision Lynnwood residents proposed and the City Council unanimously adopted. Visit Website

Rosamaria Graziani - Lynnwood City Council Position 3

Taxes and fees are out of control in Lynnwood. My family’s utility bill has more than tripled since we moved here 12 years ago. Lynnwood has the highest sales and property taxes and the most expensive utilities in the county. These tax and fee hikes take a human toll, especially on seniors and working families. People are being taxed out of their homes.Lynnwood’s revenues are higher than ever! There should be no need for more taxes. The problem is wasteful spending of taxpayer money. EXECUTIVE expenses increased from $75,000 in March 2015 to $203,000 in March 2017! Also, Lynnwood has a $5 MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT that was “balanced” by reducing the Reserve Funds! If you are not angry at this deﬁ cit-hiding accounting maneuver, you should be! As your councilwoman, I will seek to roll back recent tax and fee increases. I will bring back a balanced budget and transparency.Lynnwood should be a model city. We need to take care of our neighbors and keep the city safe. For our children’s sake, we should reduce waste and not use toxins in our parks. We should raise the minimum wage, not executive pay.

Mukilteo

Sarah Kneller - Mukilteo City Council Position 3

Elected officials are only successful if their communities are thriving. I want to support our community by ensuring the financial fitness of our city, giving voice to community concerns about development, traﬃ c and safe transportation. I will address community issues related to drug addiction, mental health and crime. I will build a relationship between our school board and council and work to empower residents to positively engage with city government. We are all better when we work together. Listen, learn and engage. I’m a perpetual optimist and active Mukilteo community member as a wife, mother and television media professional. I don’t just research the issues I care about, I walk the walk by volunteering for municipal and family service organizations that make a diﬀ erence. Our city will be faced with a number of big decisions in the coming years and you deserve a representative who will hear and address your concerns. My primary objective is to serve our community with honesty, transparency and open communication. When you elect me, you elect a public servant. I ask for your vote. Visit Website

Shaun Olsen - Mukilteo School District Position 4

As a son of educators, I have always placed a high value on public education. I believe in the idea that a well-educated electorate is the lifeblood of our democracy and fundamental if we wish to keep it. We need to take education seriously. It is an investment in our future that we cannot aﬀ ord to shortchange. We must fully fund our schools and make sure our teachers are well compensated and supported. As well, we need to oﬀ er our students the opportunity for a well-rounded education that includes art, music, and civic engagement, along with STEM. I believe it is beneficial to all of us if our students leave our school systems not so much knowing what to think, but knowing how to think. That is why I feel it is so important for us to rethink the details surrounding standardized testing in this state. If elected, I will be active, accessible, and responsive. I would be honored to have your vote for this position. I am proud to have the unanimous endorsement of both the Snohomish County Democrats, and the 21st Legislative District Democrats.